Introduction :
It is now well recognized that India has a great investment and business opportunity in the Herbal Sector, with the prospects of India emerging as a global leader in the field.

Inspite of India’s vast strength and expertise in herbal sector, the country is still unable to take its rightful place in the global arena due to lack of development of Integrated Herbal Management and Marketing expertise in the country.

To successfully conceive, design, implement and operate herbal projects, there is urgent need to give a strong information and consultancy network and platform to exchange data and information on the various aspects of the herbal sector.

India can be a strong player, there are several advantages for Indian in the herbal sector, apart from the traditional knowledge base. Such advantages could catapult India as forerunner in the International Herbal Industry.

Advantages :

India is particularly well placed to emerge as a global leader in the herbal industry in view of its bio diversity and number of plant species that are available.

India's Bio-Diversity :

Number of agrochemical zones : 16

Number of algae : 25,000

Number of vegetative zones : 10

Number of Lichens * : 1,600

Number of Biotic provinces : 15

Number of bryophytes ** : 1,800

Number of plant species : 45,000

Number of micro organisms : 30 millions

Number to flowering plants : 15,000 to 18,000

Number of habitats of specific species : 426

Number of fungi : 23,000

* Lichen is a compound plant consisting of a fungus and an algae living symbiotically, forming crusts and tufts on stones, trees and soil.

* Bryophyte is a member of the Bryophyta, one of the main groups of vegetable kingdom, mosses and liverworts.

MEDICINAL PLANTS EXPORTED FROM INDIA

THE MAIN MEDICINAL PLANTS (AND THE PLANT PART) EXPORTED FROM INDIA ARE GIVEN BELOW :

All these are plants and plant parts the knowledge of use of which is directly derived from indigenous knowledge.